Holster apparatus for use with firearms

ABSTRACT

Holster apparatus for use with firearms are described. An example holster apparatus comprises an elongate body having a first interface coupled to a first portion of the body to engage a first element of a firearm. The first interface moves between a first position to engage the first element of the firearm and a second position to release the first element of the firearm. The example holster apparatus also includes a second interface removably coupled to the body adjacent the first interface to engage a second element of a firearm.

This patent claims priority to German Patent Application 10 2007 049 954.1, filed Oct. 18, 2007, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/039,012, filed on Mar. 24, 2008, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to firearms, and, more particularly, to holster apparatus for use with firearms.

BACKGROUND

Holster apparatus are typically used to carry and contain firearms such as, for example, hand held firearms. Holsters typically allow a firearm user to carry a firearm safely and as close the user's body as possible. Some known holster apparatus enable the firearm to be easily removed from the holster for rapid use when the firearm is carried close to the user's body (e.g., a user's hip). A holster apparatus typically includes an interface or engagement element that engages an interface or engagement element of the firearm to secure the firearm to the holster. For example, a rail may be mounted on a firearm which slidably couples to a complementary rail mounted on the holster. Additionally, holster apparatus may include safety features to prevent unwanted withdrawal and/or accidental firing of the firearm.

However, most holster apparatus are tailored or configured to receive small firearms such as, for example, pistols, revolvers, etc. Such firearm holsters engage or act on a relatively short segment of the firearm and are not suitable for carrying or containing longer firearms such as, for example, assault rifles, submachine guns, etc. Furthermore, some known holster apparatus that are adapted to carry larger firearms are configured such that the firearm cannot be closely carried to the user's body. Carrying a firearm away from the user's body can result in longer or lengthier period of time to remove the firearm from the holster and position the firearm for use than a holster apparatus configured to carry the firearm near the user's body. Additionally, some known firearm holsters do not provide safety features to prevent unwanted removal and/or accidental use of the firearm while carried in a holster.

Moreover, modern assault firearms (e.g., AK-47, M-16, etc.) increasingly demand additional component carriers (e.g., scopes, sights, etc.) to be mounted to the firearm above suitable coupling profiles such as, for example, a coupling profile of a Picatinny rail. In particular, for sighting or aiming components, it is often necessary to couple a component carrier (e.g., a Picatinny rail, etc.) to the barrel region of the firearm, if at all possible, without supporting the carrier on the barrel. Thus, holster apparatus that accommodate longer firearms typically must also accommodate firearms having component carriers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example holster apparatus described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example holster apparatus of FIG. 1 engaged with an example firearm.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example holster apparatus described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example holster apparatus of FIG. 3 carrying an example firearm.

FIG. 5 illustrates the example holster apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing the example firearm partially removed from the example holster apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates the example holster apparatus of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, but implemented with an example shoulder support.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example holster apparatus described herein.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the example holster apparatus of FIG. 7 having an example handle and coupled to an example component carrier.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the example holster apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates the example component carrier of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the example component carrier of FIGS. 8 and 10 taken along line 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity. Further, throughout this description, position designations such as “front,” “behind,” “above,” “below,” “top,” “forward,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” etc. are referenced to a firearm held in a normal firing position (i.e., wherein the “shooting direction” is pointed away from the marksman in a generally horizontal direction) and from the point of view of the marksman. Furthermore, the normal firing position of the firearm is always assumed, i.e., the position in which the barrel runs along a horizontal axis.

In general, the example holster apparatus described herein are adapted to carry or contain firearms such as, for example, assault rifles, submachine guns, etc. The firearms may also have component carriers such as, for example, a Picatinny rail. In particular, an example holster apparatus described herein includes a body having a first interface at a first end and a second interface at a second end. The first interface includes a locking member configured to engage a first portion of a firearm and the second interface includes a stationary element configured to engage a second portion of the firearm. For example, the locking member may engage a portion of a holding unit (e.g., a Picatinny rail) of the firearm and the stationary element may be configured to engage a selector lever of the firearm.

Additionally, the example holster apparatus described herein include safety features to prevent the unwanted (e.g., accidental) withdrawal of a firearm while the firearm is carried within the example holster apparatus. For example, an example holster apparatus may be configured only to accept a firearm that has been secured (e.g., the safety lever is engaged) to prevent the accidental discharge of the firearm while the firearm is carried within the example holster apparatus described herein. Moreover, the example holster apparatus described herein enable quick and rapid removal of the firearms from the holsters. The example holster apparatus described herein may be attached or coupled to in combination with leg holsters, hip holsters, shoulder holsters, etc.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example holster apparatus 1 described herein. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the example holster apparatus 1 is coupled to a firearm user via a thigh holster 2 and a plurality of straps 3. However, in other examples, the holster 1 may be coupled to a firearm user via any other suitable manner(s). The holster 1 includes an elongated or rail-shaped body 5 having a first interface 6 at a first end of the body 5 and a second interface 8 at a second end of the body 5. The first interface 6 includes a channel having an opened end 9 and a dovetail guide 7 for receiving a first element or portion of a firearm. The second interface 8 protrudes from the body 5 and engages a second element or portion of a firearm as described in greater detail below. The second interface 8 is stationary and is detachably coupled to the body 5 via a fastener 15 (e.g., a screw) or any other fastening mechanism(s). As described in greater detail below, the fastener 15 engages a first bore 16 when the holster apparatus 1 is to be used by a right-handed user or a second bore 17 when the holster apparatus 1 is to be used by a left-handed user.

A handle 10 adjacent the second end of the body 5 is operatively coupled to the body 5 via a link member 11. The link member 11 is at least partially disposed within the body 5 and is operatively coupled to a moveable member or locking member 12. The locking member 12 protrudes through an opening or slot in the body 5 at the first interface 6 and may be shaped, for example, as a hook or latch member protruding from the body 5. A spring (not shown) biases the link member 11 to a first position so that the locking member 12 protrudes from the body 5 in the first interface 6. Displacement of the link member 11 via the handle 10 in a direction opposite the biasing force of the spring (e.g., toward the first interface 6) causes the locking member 12 to move to a second position. When moved to the second position, the locking member 12 retracts into the body 5. A fastener 13 operatively couples the link member 11 to the body 5. A head of the fastener 13 engages a slot 14 (e.g., an oblong-shaped slot) formed in the body 5 to restrict displacement of the link member 11 within the body 5 along the length of the slot 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example firearm 20 such as, for example, a submachine gun, coupled to the holster 1. The example firearm 20 described herein includes a holding fixture or component carrier 21′ at a first end of the firearm (e.g., the muzzle end). Additionally, the example firearm 20 includes holding fixtures or component carriers 21 adjacent to the component carrier 21′ that include slots 22, 22′. The component carriers 21, 21′ may be, for example, Picatinny rails, NATO rails, etc., and enable additional add-on components such as, for example, scopes, sights, etc., to be mounted to the firearm above suitable coupling profiles such as, for example, a coupling profile of a Picatinny rail. In the illustrated example, a portion of the component carrier 21 (e.g., the left component carrier) engages the first interface 6 via the channel 9 and the dovetail guide 7. The dovetail guide 7 has a cross-sectional shaped that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the component carrier 21. In this manner, the body 5 is laterally and substantially parallel to an axis 23 of a bore of the firearm 20 when the firearm 20 is coupled to the holster 1.

The firearm arm 20 includes a safety or selector lever 24 that protrudes from a second portion of the firearm 20 and engages the second interface 8 of the holster 1 to fix the second portion of the firearm 20 to the holster 1. The selector lever 24 toggles between an unsecured position to enable a trigger mechanism to discharge the firearm 20, and a secured position to disable the trigger mechanism to prevent discharge of the firearm 20. Additionally, the second interface 8 may be shaped or adapted to the geometry or cross-sectional shape of the selector lever 24 such that the firearm 20 can only engage the first interface 6 when the selector lever 24 is in the secured position. In this manner, the selector lever 24 disables the trigger mechanism to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm 20 while it is carried in the holster 1. Additionally, the second interface 8 may be changeable with interfaces having different shapes to accommodate a number of different firearm safeties having different geometries or cross-sectional shapes.

To couple the firearm 20 to the holster 1, the selector lever 24 of the firearm 20 is positioned to the secured position. The component carrier 21 is positioned or at least partially inserted in the first interface 6 via the open end 9 and along the dovetail guide 7. As the component carrier 21 engages the first interface 6, the locking member 12 engages one of the slots 22 of the component carrier 21 to fix the first portion of the firearm 20 to the holster 1 in an axial direction along the axis 23. As described above, the locking member 12 is biased (e.g., via a spring) so that it protrudes through the body 5 at the first interface 6. As the component carrier 21 slidably engages the guide 7, the locking member 12 is retracted into the body 5 by the component carrier 21 via, for example, an oblique contact member (not shown) at an end of the component carrier 21. As the slot 22 aligns with the locking member 12, the locking member 12 protrudes from the body 5 via the biasing element to automatically engage the slot 22. Alternatively, the handle 10 may be manually displaced during holstering of the firearm 20 to retract the locking member 12 into the body 5 and the handle 10 may be released when the slot 22 aligns with the locking member 12 to engage the locking member 12 with the slot 22. Furthermore, in order to prevent misengagement of the locking member 12 with any one of the slots 22, the firearm may positioned so that the locking member 12 engages the slot 22′ (e.g., the front-most slot).

To remove the firearm 20 from the holster 1, the user can grasp a grip 28 of the firearm 20 and can operate the handle 10 via, for example, the user's thumb, to displace (e.g., move downward) the handle 10 toward the first interface 6. The displacement of the handle 10 toward the first interface 6 causes the link member 11 to also displace in a direction toward the first interface 6, which, in turn, causes the locking member 12 to retract from the slot 22 of the component carrier 21 and into the body 5. While the locking member 12 is retracted into the body 5, the user slidably moves the firearm 20 along the guide 7 and away (e.g., upward) from the first interface 6 so that the slots 22, 22′ of the component carrier 21 clear (e.g., do not engage) the locking member 12. Also, the selector lever 24 disengages from the second interface 8 by moving the second end of the firearm 20 away from the body 5. The component carrier 21 slides along the dovetail guide 7 and through the opening 9 of the first interface face 6 to remove the firearm 20 from the holster 1. During such motion, as the firearm 20 is pulled from the holster apparatus 1 and the first interface 6 clears the slots 22, 22′, the thumb of the user releases the handle 10. Thus, the user may also simultaneously toggle the selector lever 24 from the secured position to the unsecured position so that the trigger mechanism of the firearm 20 is enabled and ready for use as the firearm 20 is withdrawn from the holster 1.

The example holster 1 described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 is orientated and configured for use with a right-handed user. However, the holster 1 can also be configured for a left-handed user. To configure the holster 1 for a left-handed user, the fastener 15 of the second interface 8 is removed from the bore 16 (e.g., via a screw 15) and the orientation of the second interface 8 is reversed and coupled to the body 5 so that the fastener 15 engages the bore 17. The thigh holster 2 is fastened to the left thigh of the user and a right portion of the component carrier 21 of the firearm 20 engages the first interface 6 via the opened end 9 and the dovetail guide 7.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate another example holster apparatus 201 described herein. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the example holster apparatus 201 mounts to a shoulder holster 202, which, in turn, is fixed to a portion of a user's body such as, for example, a shoulder of the user. The shoulder holster 201 mounts to a shoulder of the user via straps 203. The holster apparatus 201 includes a rail-shaped body 205. The body 205 includes a first interface 206 at a first end (e.g., an upper end) of the body 205 and a second interface 208 at a second end (e.g., a lower end) of the body 205 that protrudes away (e.g., downward) from the body 205. In the illustrated example, the first interface 206 comprises a slot 207 and the second interface 208 comprises a pin or stud.

A handle 210 is operatively coupled to the body 205 and protrudes away (e.g., pointing to the rear from the perspective of the user) from the body 205. The handle 210 is operatively coupled to a locking member 212 disposed within the rail-shaped body 205 via a linkage assembly (not shown). The handle 210 may be detachably coupled to the linkage via a fastener 213 such as, for example, a screw. In the example, the locking member 212 comprises a pin or stud that obstructs the slot 207 when the locking member 212 is in a first position. In the example, the locking member 212 is biased in the first position via a biasing element (not shown) such as, for example, a spring. In operation, displacement of the handle 210 in a first direction (e.g., downward from the perspective of a user) against the biasing force of the spring and toward the second interface 208 causes the locking member 212 to also be displaced in a first direction away from the slot 207 and toward the second interface 208. Displacement of the locking member 212 in the first direction causes the locking member 212 to retract within the body 205 to clear or unobstruct the slot 207.

FIG. 4 illustrates the example firearm 20 coupled to the example holster apparatus 201. When the firearm 20 is coupled to the holster 201, a first fastening eyelet 26 (e.g., a rear fastening eyelet) engages the first interface 206 and aligns with the slot 207 and a second fastening eyelet 27 (e.g., a front fastening eyelet) engages or couples to the second interface 208. To remove the firearm from the holster 201, the handle 210 is displaced in a first direction to disengage the locking member 212 from the first fastening eyelet 26. For example, a user may grip the firearm 20 via the grip 28 and simultaneously use his thumb to displace or move the handle 210 in a direction (e.g., downward direction) relative to the user or in a direction toward the second interface 208. When the locking member 212 disengages the first fastening eyelet 26, the firearm 20 is positioned or swiveled away (e.g., swung out) from the body 5 and moved in a lateral direction toward the muzzle of the firearm 20 (i.e., substantially downward). In this manner, the second interface 208 or pin releases or disengages from the second fastening eyelet 27 to detach the firearm 20 from the holster 201.

To couple the firearm 20 to the holster 201, the second fastening eyelet 27 engages the second interface 208 and the firearm 20 is moved in a direction away from the second interface 208 (e.g., an upward direction from the perspective of the user). The firearm 20 is swiveled or positioned toward the body 205 so that the first fastening eyelet 26 engages or aligns with the slot 207. As described above, the locking member 212 is biased (e.g., via a spring) so that it protrudes into the slot 207. As the first fastening eyelet 26 engages the slot 207, the locking member 212 retracts into the body 205 by, for example, an oblique contact member (not shown) integrally formed or coupled to the eyelet 26 to automatically cause the locking member 212 to retract into the body 5. As the oblique member clears the locking member 212, the biasing force of the spring causes the locking member 212 to move to the first position to engage the first fastening eyelet 26. Alternatively, the user may manually displace the handle 210 to retract the locking member 212 into the body 205 and release the handle 210 when the first fastening eyelet 26 engages the slot 207.

The example holster 201 described in connection with FIGS. 3-5 is orientated and configured for use with a right-handed user. However, the holster 201 can also be configured for a left-handed user. To configure the holster 201 for a left-handed user, the handle 210 is detached from the body 205 via the fastener 213 and is positioned in a direction such that the handle 210 is orientated, for example, in a direction pointing to the rear from the perspective of the user when the holster 201 is positioned on a left side of the user such as, for example, the left shoulder of the user. Thus, the holster 201 may be retrofit for use with a left-handed user.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the holster apparatus 201 may be implemented with an interface substantially similar to the second interface 8 described in connection with the holster apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The interface may be configured to engage a safety device (e.g., the selector lever 24 of FIG. 2) of the firearm so that the firearm can only be coupled or secured to the holster apparatus 201 in a secured state or locked condition to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm 20. The orientation of the second interface may also be interchangeable or reversed so that the holster 201 may be configured for use with either left-handed or right-handed users.

FIG. 6 illustrates the example holster 201 of FIGS. 3-5 implemented with an operating loop 215 that is removably coupled to the shoulder holster 202. The operating loop 215 is coupled to an extendible shoulder support 29 of the firearm 20, which aids a user to aim at an intended target. The operating loop 215 enables a user to remove the firearm 20 from the holster 201 and simultaneously extend the shoulder support 29 of the firearm using only one hand (e.g., a user's right hand).

In the illustrated example, the extendible shoulder support 29 is illustrated in a partially retracted position. The fastening loop 215 fixes the extendible shoulder support 29 relative to the shoulder holster 202 so that movement of the firearm 20, for example, in a downward or outward direction, causes the shoulder support 29 to extend to an extended position. In this manner, as the user removes the firearm 20 from the holster 201 as described above, the fastening loop 215 causes the shoulder stop 29 to extend to the extended position. Additionally, to operating loop 215 may be adjustable in length. Furthermore, the operating loop 215 may be detachably coupled to the straps 203 of the shoulder holster 202 via, for example, a spring loaded latch 216.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example holster apparatus 301 described herein. FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the example holster apparatus 301 of FIG. 7, but having an example handle 310 and an example component carrier 321. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the example holster apparatus 301 includes a base or body 305. A first interface 306 is coupled to the body 305 at a first location. A second interface 308 is coupled to the body 305 at a second location such as, for example, a lower region of the body 305. The first interface 306 and the second interface 308 are disposed within a groove slot 314 of the body 305. The second interface 308 comprises a projection or retaining structure 315 at an end (e.g., a lower end) of the groove 314 and having a recess 316 (FIG. 9). The recess 316 receives a structure or element of the firearm such as, for example, the component carrier 321 of a firearm, and the projection 315 forms an edge to retain the component carrier 321 to the holster 301. The projection 315 may be integrally formed with the body 305 as substantially a unitary structure or piece or may be a separate piece that may be coupled to the body 305 via any suitable fastening mechanism(s).

Additionally, the body 305 includes a plurality of mounting holes 317 for mounting the example holster 301 to another carrier such as, for example, a thigh holster, a portion of a building, a portion of a vehicle, etc. The body 305 can be mounted via screws, pins, etc., or any other suitable fastening mechanism that passes into and/or through the mounting holes 317. The body 305 also includes mounting holes 318 for mounting a safety element 304 (e.g., similar to the safety element 8 of FIG. 1) to the body 305. The safety element 304 may be configured so that a firearm can only be coupled or attached to the holster 301 if the firearm is secured in such a manner to prevent unintentional discharge of the firearm while the firearm is secured by the holster 301. For example, a firearm may include a safety that toggles between a secured position to prevent discharge of the firearm and a release position to enable discharge of the firearm. The safety element 304 can be mounted to the body 305 via screws, pins, etc., or any other suitable fastening mechanism(s). Alternatively, the safety element 304 may be integrally formed with the body 305 as a substantially unitary piece or structure.

The holster apparatus 301 includes the handle 310. The handle 310 is operatively coupled to a swivel lever 309, which includes a lip 320 that protrudes laterally away from the handle 310. The swivel lever 309 operates between a first position to enable operation of the handle 310 and a second position to disable operation of the handle 310. The swivel lever 309 rotates about an axis 311. A component carrier 321 of a firearm includes a first end 337 of the firearm that engages the projection 315 to couple the first end 337 of the firearm to the body 305 of the holster 301.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example holster 301 of FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the handle 310 is operatively coupled to a linkage 327 disposed within the body 305. A locking member 312 is coupled to the linkage 327 at an end opposite the handle 310. The locking member 312 forms the first interface 306. The locking member 312 includes a protruding member 312 a (e.g., a hook-like finger, etc.) that engages a portion or projection 319 of the holding unit 321. In the illustrated example, the locking member 312 is integrally formed with the linkage 327 as a substantially unitary piece or structure.

To disengage a firearm from the holster 301, the swivel lever 309 is positioned to a first position to enable operation of the handle 310. The swivel lever 309 is biased via, for example, a spring 323 and a pin 325, so that the lip 320 is positioned away from (i.e., disengaged from) the recess 303 of the body 305. To enable operation of the handle 310, a user pivots the swivel lever 309 about its swiveling axis 311 against the force of the spring 323 and pin 325 in a direction illustrated by arrow A. The swivel lever 309 is pivoted about its axis 311 until the end portion 320 of the swivel lever 309 engages a recess 303. For example, a user can place his thumb on the handle 310 and move the swivel lever 309 in the direction illustrated by arrow A until the lip portion 320 engages the recess 303. When the lever 309 is in the first position, the handle 310 is operatively coupled to the locking member 312.

The link 327 is biased via a spring 329 between a spring seat or pin 331 and the link 327. The spring 329 is disposed within a recess or aperture 328 of the link 327. The spring 329 biases the link 327 toward the handle 310 and biases the locking member 312 in a first position in which the locking member 312 engages the projection 319 of the component carrier 321. Moving the handle 310 in a direction illustrated by arrow B and against the biasing force of the spring 329 causes the locking member 312 to disengage from the projection 319 of the component carrier 321, which releases the firearm. The link 327 travels along a maximum distance defined by a recess or slot 333, which enables the protruding member 312 a of the locking member 312 to disengage from the projection 319.

The firearm and the component carrier 321 can be moved or swiveled to a position away from the body 305 and released from the groove 314. Simultaneously, the first end 337 of the component carrier 321 can be removed from the recess 316 of the projection 315 in a direction illustrated by arrow C to remove the firearm from the holster 301. In contrast to the example holster apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the example holster apparatus 301 does not include a rail-shaped body (e.g., the rail-shaped body 5 of FIGS. 1 and 2) and, thus, the firearm does not have to travel within a rail guide (e.g., the dovetail guide 7) to remove or couple the firearm from the example holster 301. Such removal of the firearm is especially advantageous when the firearm is concealed.

To couple the firearm to the holster 301, the first end 337 of the component carrier 321 engages the recess 316 of the projection 315 in a direction opposite to the direction illustrated by arrow C. The firearm is swiveled toward the body 305 of the holster 301. The handle 310, with the end 320 of the lever 309 engaged with link 327, is displaced or moved in a direction illustrated by arrow B to move the locking member 312 to a second position in which the locking member 312 is disengaged from the projection 319. Once the component carrier 321 engages the groove 314, the handle 310 is released and the spring 329 causes the locking member 312 to move to the first position to engage the projection 319 of the holding unit to secure the component carrier 321 to the holster 301. A second portion (e.g., a selector lever) of the firearm (not shown) engages or couples to the safety element 304. Additionally, the lip 320 of the lever 309 is biased so that the lip 320 is removed from the recess 303. In this manner, the firearm is coupled to the holster 301 to prevent unwanted withdrawal of the firearm.

FIG. 10 illustrates the example component carrier 321 of FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example component carrier 321 of FIG. 10. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the component carrier 321 includes slots 322. The slots 322 enable add-on components to be coupled to the component carrier 321 such as, for example, sights, scopes, etc. In one example, the component carrier 321 is a Picatinny rail or any other suitable component carrier. The component carrier 321 includes a recess 339 through which the locking member 312 engages the projection 319 to couple the firearm to the holster 301. Furthermore, the component carrier 321 may include an enclosure 326 that is complementary to the groove 314 so that the holding unit 321 matably engages the holster 301 to further facilitate coupling the firearm to the holster 301. In this manner, the end 337 of the enclosure 336 engages the recess 316 and a first end of the component carrier 321 engages or aligns with a first end of the groove 314 to ensure that the locking member 312 is aligned or protrudes through the recess 339.

Additionally, the projection 319 engages the contact member 312 a of the locking member 312 to position or move the locking member 312 to the second position without use of the handle 310 when coupling the firearm to the holster 301. The projection 319 engages the contact portion 312 a of the locking member 312 until the locking member 312 returns to the first position to engage the component carrier 321. Additionally, the holding unit 321 includes mounting holes 335 at a first end and a second end of the component carrier 321 to mount the component carrier 321 to a firearm. The mounting holes 335 receive fasteners or any other suitable fastening mechanism(s) to couple the component carrier 321 to the firearm.

The example holster apparatus described herein advantageously enable an assault firearm (e.g., a submachine gun) to be coupled to the example holster apparatus. The example holster apparatus described herein include safety features to prevent the unwanted withdrawal and/or accidental firing of the firearm while the firearm is carried within the holsters. Furthermore, the safety features of the example holsters enable quick and rapid removal of the firearm from the holster. Features of the above described holster apparatus are not limited to the examples described herein and/or any feature described in connection with one example holster may be implanted with another example holster apparatus. Moreover, the example holster apparatus described herein may be attached or coupled to in combination with leg holsters, hip holsters, shoulder holsters, etc. Additionally, the example holster apparatus may be configured for either left-handed users or right-handed users and the example holster apparatus may include removable or interchangeable components to configure the holsters for either left-handed users or right-handed users.

Furthermore, although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A holster apparatus for use with firearms, comprising: an elongated body; a first interface coupled to a first portion of the elongated body to engage a first element of a firearm, wherein the first interface moves between a first position to engage the first element of the firearm and a second position to release the first element of the firearm; and a second interface removably coupled to the elongated body adjacent the first interface to engage a second element of a firearm.
 2. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the body has a rail-shaped structure or a dovetail guide to receive at least a portion of the firearm.
 3. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the second element of the firearm comprises a safety lever that is to be positioned between a first position to enable the discharge of the firearm and a second position to prevent discharge of the firearm.
 4. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the second interface is configured to engage the safety lever when the safety lever is positioned in the second position.
 5. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first interface comprises a locking member.
 6. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the locking member is biased to the first position via a spring.
 7. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising a handle operatively coupled to the locking member via a link member to move the locking member between the first position and the second position.
 8. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the handle comprises a safety mechanism that can be positioned between a first position to enable operation of the handle and a second position to disable operation of the handle.
 9. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the first element of the firearm comprises a component carrier coupled to a barrel end of the firearm.
 10. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the locking member comprises a hook-shaped pin, wherein the pin engages a slot on the component carrier to secure the firearm to the body.
 11. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the locking member comprises an engagement member formed via a recess, wherein the engagement member engages a slot on the component carrier to secure the firearm to the body.
 12. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the second interface comprises a body having a recess portion to receive a complementary end of the component carrier.
 13. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first interface comprises a first pin to receive a first fastening eyelet of the firearm.
 14. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the second interface comprises a pin to receive a second fastening eyelet of the firearm.
 15. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the second interface is removably coupled to the body.
 16. A holster apparatus for carrying a firearm, comprising: a body having a movable member to engage a first portion of a firearm and a stationary member to receive a second portion of the firearm, and wherein the body includes a receiving portion to receive at least a third portion of a firearm; a link member disposed within the body and operatively coupled to the movable member; and a handle operatively coupled to the link member, wherein displacement of the handle in a first direction causes the movable member to move in a first direction and displacement of the handle in a second direction causes the moveable member to move in a second direction opposite the first direction.
 17. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the movable member comprises a body having a recess to form a protruding member to engage the first portion of the firearm.
 18. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the first portion of the firearm comprises a slot of a component carrier.
 19. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the receiving portion comprises a dovetail guide to slidably receive the component carrier of a firearm when the firearm is to be coupled to the holster or is to be removed from the holster.
 20. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the receiving portion comprises a groove to receive the component carrier of a firearm.
 21. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the stationary member comprises a body having a recess to receive a complementary end portion of the component carrier.
 22. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the moveable member comprises a first pin to engage a first fastening eyelet of the firearm.
 23. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein the stationary member comprises a second pin to engage a second fastening eyelet of the firearm.
 24. A holster apparatus, comprising: a body having a rail-shaped structure or a groove adapted to receive a component carrier of a firearm; a stationary member removably coupled to the body and configured to receive an engaging element of the firearm; a locking member protruding from the rail-shaped structure or groove to engage a slot of the component carrier; a handle operatively coupled to the locking member via a linkage member, wherein the handle positions the locking member between a first position in which the locking member engages the holding unit and a second position in which the locking member releases the holding unit, and wherein the linkage member is disposed within the body; and a spring disposed within the body to bias the locking member to the first position.
 25. A holster apparatus as defined in claim 24, wherein the engaging element of the firearm comprises an end of the component carrier or a safety lever of the firearm. 